‘Priest’ and ‘Paranormal Activity’ Filmmakers Reach For ‘Dark Skies’

Dimension Films has just snapped up the U.S. distribution rights to the supernatural thriller Dark Skies, which was written and directed by Scott Stewart (Priest, Legion). The man behind such titles as Insidious and Paranormal Activity, Jason Blum of Blumhouse Productions, will be producing the project alongside Alliance Films. [Deadline]

As if America isn’t a big enough audience, Alliance is also set to distribute in Canada, in the UK (through its Momentum Pictures sidebar) and in Spain (through Aurum). Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Charles Layton will executive produce. Bob Weinstein, co-chairman of The Weinsten Company, had a bit to say about Blum, which you can read in the quote below:

“Jason has done a masterful job over the past several years of breaking new ground and creating huge commercial successes in the supernatural and horror genres. We are confident that Dark Skies will continue the success.”

Although I can smell the greed oozing off that statement considering Blum’s low-budget work has racked in over $500 million, Weinstein does make a worthwhile note his ability to turn a significant profit. Add in Stewart’s continued failure as a director and it’s hard to drum up interest for another supernatural thriller. The synopsis is currently under wraps, but production for Dark Skies will kick off sometime this summer.